Small retailers to be exempt from DRS return point rules

Exchange For Change has set out a package of targeted support measures for retailers across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland ahead of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)’s launch in October 2027.
The not-for-profit body has confirmed £60m in grant funding to help eligible independent retailers install reverse vending machines (RVMs) and outlined exemption criteria for smaller and constrained retail sites.
Under the updated framework, retailers in urban areas with a sales footprint